Sweden to join NATO

In a significant geopolitical development, Sweden has successfully secured its place as the 32nd member of NATO, dealing a consequential blow to Russia. The final obstacle to Sweden’s NATO membership was overcome when Hungary, the last dissenting nation, conducted a parliamentary vote to approve the accession.

Russia’s incursion into Ukraine had already nudged Sweden away from its longstanding policy of military non-alignment, propelling it towards the world’s largest military alliance. Amid growing uncertainty surrounding NATO’s future, Sweden’s admission comes at a time when the U.S. Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, contemplates altering security guarantees for parts of Europe.

The decisive move came on Monday as the Hungarian parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of the resolution, with 188 supporting and only 6 opposing. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his connections with Russia’s Putin despite Western pressures, finally granted approval after withholding it for over 600 days.

With Hungary’s endorsement, all existing NATO allies have ratified Sweden’s membership, setting the stage for a flag-raising ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels later this week. Hungary’s decision marks the end of a prolonged period of strained relations between Orbán and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, culminating in the signing of a defense deal.

Russia emerges as the primary loser in Sweden’s alignment with NATO. Moscow had issued threats to both Sweden and Finland when the Nordic nations shifted their focus toward the alliance. The West’s strengthened presence in the Baltic Sea, a crucial transit route for the Russian navy, adds to Russia’s concerns.

Ulf Kristersson hailed the occasion as a “historic day,” emphasizing Sweden’s readiness to contribute to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his welcome, asserting that Sweden’s membership enhances the strength and safety of all alliance members. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collective benefits derived from Sweden’s inclusion in NATO and commending Hungary’s approval of the accession.